Howdy Folks

 

I got a phone call at work the other day from BigJohnBear checking to see if maybe I had fallen off the earth.  The answer I gave him was, "Well, Sort of."  I've been involved in a lot of things, including moving, which has left me without regular internet access for a while.  This season we are entering is a culmination of a summer of many changes, both sought and unsought, which leads me to a point I never thought I would see, and five words I never thought I would say:

 

The Collection Is For Sale.

 

As you collectively pick your jaws off the floor, I'm sure you are wondering why, and there are a number of reasons.  I have said many times over the years that it is just a hobby, a recreation, a mild form of escapism.  And I have said many times that my hobby was not the most important thing in my life.  I said if there ever came a time when my hobby came before my family then the cars would be gone the next day.  The Bible says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.", and through the months, as I pursued my hobby with what I thought was prudent moderation, I did not see the warning signs until my marriage had come apart.  And although there are many causes involved in our break-up, the time and money I invested in my solitary pursuit was a contributing factor.  So, although it may seem like some like closing the barn door after the horse is gone, I'm being led today to make a break with the past, and to that leading I must be faithful. 

 

Now, I want to make clear a few reasons that are not why I am selling my collection.  First, I am not dis- satisfied with my hobby.  My collection has given me great pleasure, right up to the moment I decided to sell it.  I still think little toy cars are cool, and I will be a gearhead till the day I die.  I don't have any issues with the direction the hobby is being driven y the manufacturers or the merchandisers.  I'm not selling because i need the money.  Although my finances are tight, I could have gone on collecting indefinitely.  Nor am I under any illusion that selling  out will restore my marriage.  I said that I was being led into another direction, and the surest sign that I have that this leading is true is the peace that I have, and the lack of regrets over this decision. 

 

The purchaser will receive, at present count, 2381 cars, all loose, in the official collection.  This includes 135 100% Collectibles and Legends, 973 other Hot Wheels, 570 Johnny Lightnings, 341 Matchbox, and 362 by other manufacturers.  In addition, I am including a large amount of both vintage, and more modern track pieces, and a box full of project cars, and paints I used in restoring and customizing.  Also included in the sale are several large boxes filled with auto magazines, mostly from the 90's, but some dating back to the early 60's, plus my books, catalogs and other materials I have acquired over the past 13 1/2 years of collecting.  All the cars are currently rolled in tissue and packed in storage, and I don't have a digital camera or a scanner with which to send photographs.  There are a couple dozen redlines, none mint, but most in displayable condition.  There is one Treasure Hunt Riley & Scott that I had picked up as trade bait.  I would prefer to sell the collection as a lot rather than drawing out the process piece by piece.  Inquiries can be made to me at southerngent10011962@yahoo.com.

 

The condition of my cars, varies.  Many were purchased at retail and are condition 9 or better.  Many were bought at yard sales and thrift shops for 25-50 cents each and look it. I can't begin to imagine what shipping costs for all this stuff is going to be.  After all, boxes full of diecast get heavy really quickly.  If you missed out on collecting in the eighties and early nineties before all the hoopla set in, you're going to find some treats.  I will ask that you show me the respect of serious inquiries only. 

 

And what will I do with the money?  Well, when God closes one door he opens another.  I'm returning to my first love: books.  The sale of my collection is going to finance the establishment of Southern Gent Books, used, rare and out of print books for the discerning reader.  I hope to have established a web presence in the near future, and be profitable soon after that.  This has been an off again-on again dream of mine for some time, and with God's help it's going to come true. 

 

And rest assured, I won't become a stranger.  I have been pleased and proud to call all of you my friends.  I have appreciated every comment, good or ill, in response to my writings.  Even more than the cars, my hobby has given me my greatest pleasure in knowing all of you.  I'll keep you posted on my progress, and I'll be around.

 

Faithfully yours,

 

Raymond McKee

The Southern Gent

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Note from Joe:

I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Raymond for his friendship and his articles. His insight into our hobby has been a breath of fresh air in a crazy world of toys. Raymond, all the best, My Friend. I sincerely hope your future endeavors are fruitful and enjoyable. Keep it In Scale.--Joe

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